Evelyn’s Jewelry & Gift Shop in Barnwell closes after 54 years in business

Jonathan Vickery

Wednesday

Dec 5, 2018 at 5:14 AMDec 5, 2018 at 5:14 AM

A staple in downtown Barnwell has closed after 54 years in business.

Evelyn’s Jewelry & Gift Shop closed its doors on Friday, Nov. 30. It had been a fixture on the Circle since 1964.

“This has been our life and love for 26 years. I think we’re going to miss it as much as everyone is going to miss us,” said Berley Lindler, who has owned the store since May 12, 1992. “I’m especially going to miss the customers and people who have worked here who are like family.”

Evelyn’s was started in 1964 by Paul and Evelyn Evatt as a fine jewelry store and was originally located next door where Circle Cuts is now. The store later moved to the larger space and expanded by offering gift items and a bridal registry. In June 1982 the store was sold to Lucy and Robert Hudson.

Lindler, who had managed the home department of Rich’s Department Store in Columbia, was considering opening his own store in Columbia when the Hudsons contacted him about purchasing Evelyn’s. He decided to purchase the popular store in his hometown.

He wanted to keep the aspects of the business that were successful, such as the bridal registry, while expanding the selection of merchandise to include more gifts and home decor.

Throughout the past 26 years, Lindler said he tried to create an atmosphere that set the store apart. That’s why he agreed to play music from the store that could be heard throughout downtown Barnwell after the city installed speakers on the building.

Providing the best personal service, including complimentary gift wrap, that is simply not found in larger stores was another important element of that atmosphere. This includes the popular bridal registry where brides-to-be would select gifts they wanted, including from Evelyn’s selection of fine china.

“They loved seeing their china selections displayed with their names beside it,” said Lindler. “That’s probably going to be the most missed part of the store.”

Evelyn’s offered a variety of unique products that could not be found anywhere else in town. A lot of research and thought went into each item before Lindler selected it at the market to go on his shelves. He also tried to stock as many American made products as possible, such as Byers Choice Carolers that are handmade in Pennsylvania.

“We were not a cookie cutter store,” he said.

Many people trusted Lindler’s judgment when it came to picking out the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

“I will miss Evelyn’s so much. I don’t know how to shop without the beautiful selection of gifts and jewelry. Berley’s creativity and good taste have been such a blessing to us all and he and Mary Catherine will be greatly missed,” said Vivian Holliday on Facebook.

Evelyn’s commitment to quality products and customer service garnered national attention over the years, including as one of 50 rising stars in a national trade magazine and a feature in Southern Living Magazine’s Christmas Guide.

With more people shifting their shopping habits from stores to online outlets, Lindler said they tried to adapt by adding an online store and social media presence. However, new opportunities and a changing retail market ultimately led to the difficult decision to close the store.

“Our small town just got smaller in a big way,” said Bryan Flanigan on Facebook.

“Thank you for being a part of the community for so long and creating happy memories for so many,” said Leah Still Schonfeld on Facebook. She has fond memories shopping at Evelyn’s with her grandmother.

Cindy Gardner Pack said the closure is like a death in the family. “Barnwell won’t be the same. Who’s going to play beautiful music on the Circle now? What are brides going to do? No more piles of pretty shower gifts in that distinctive wrap,” said Pack, who wished the employees much love in the future.

The staff said they appreciate all of their customers, not only for their business over the years but also for their friendships. “They’ve been with us through the good times and bad times,” said Lindler.

Lindler enjoyed working alongside his mother Mary for the past 26 years while also being neighbors with his father’s pharmacy, Berley’s Pharmacy.

Mary Lindler said she will miss working with her son on a daily basis and also miss the customers. “This has been a joy,” she said of working at Evelyn’s.

Evelyn’s has also employed many other ladies over the years, including high school students who got their first work experience at the store.

“They learned so much about etiquette and decorating and entertaining,” said Lindler of what former employees have said they learned.

Jessie McGee, who recently celebrated her 17th work anniversary at Evelyn’s, said she feels “blessed” to have had the privilege to spend half of her life at Evelyn’s with the Lindler family, her fellow co-workers and the “loyal, lovable and entertaining customers. Working at Evelyn’s has made an unendingly powerful impact on my personal growth and professional development throughout my teen and early adult years, and continues to do so.”

“I am so thankful for the opportunity Mr. Berley gave me eight years ago to work at Evelyn’s and be a part of the ‘Evelyn’s Family.’ The Circle in Barnwell certainly won’t be the same,” said employee Mattie Brantley.

Though Evelyn’s has closed its doors for the final time and the music that once filled downtown has faded, Lindler hopes another person will purchase the two-story building and open a new store that will benefit Barnwell. He said he believes there’s going to be another shift back towards traditional shopping one day and encourages Barnwell County residents to support other local small businesses.

“The Circle is the heart of Barnwell. My hope is for the Circle to really grow and have new businesses come in, and for it to be a shopping, dining and entertaining venue,” he said.

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